basic concept
A web page is split up into generalized, reusable, elements (I'll call
these buckets since content gets "poured" into them). Font and color
attributes are declared for each bucket, defining content- and/or layout-specific
functional areas (header, border, link, etc.) as applicable;
then defining sub-attributes for these areas.
The goal then, is to use these buckets to build up each web page. Since the
attributes of each bucket-type are defined functionally, rather than by
appearance, this facilitates syndication (different font/color schemes per partner), because
the value of each parameter can be changed without obfuscating the function of that
parameter.
syndication
Once all of the functional elements of each bucket type (and also those basic values applicable to an entire page)
have been formulated, the result will be transferred to a Cascading Style Sheet (CSS). Each cobrand
will have its own copy of the CSS, with values of the various significant parameters (fonts/colors) set according to the
cobrands wishes (e.g., matching their main site).
pitfalls!
A pitfall to avoid is to NEVER use an existing attribute (e.g. CSS class) based on the
CURRENT value. In other words, NEVER use a parameter because it is "blue", instead, use it
because it is "header background color". Likewise, NEVER use a parameter for a function
other than for that which it has been defined--e.g., NEVER use "header background color" for the
footer or navbar background, else you confuse the function-specific nature of all the parameters, and
syndication efforts become exponentially more difficult and inflexible. For example, a color change to the header background
will then affect other unknown areas, say, the alt offset color on the artist trading card--or something!